A captivating exploration of the profound themes and vital truths surrounding Shirdi Sai Baba reveals a figure of immense spiritual significance.
I. The Nature and Identity of Sai Baba
Sai Baba is a divine, omniscient, and omnipresent, being whose true nature transcends conventional human and religious classifications.
- Ambiguity of Origin and Faith:
- Baba’s identity as Hindu or Muslim is deliberately obscured, highlighting his universality.
- He celebrated both Hindu festivals (Rama-Navami, Gokul Ashtami) and allowed Muslim practices (Sandal procession, Namaj in Masjid).
- His physical attributes (pierced ears like a Hindu, advocacy of circumcision, but not circumcised himself) further blurred the lines.
- No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mahomedan.
- Divine Incarnation and Sadguru:
- Baba is depicted as a “Wonderful Incarnation,” a “precious Jewel,” and a “precious Diamond.”
- He is the “crest-jewel of the Saints, who is the home of all auspicious things, who is our Atmaram (Dear Self), and who is the able refuge of the devotees.”
- He is explicitly referred to as a “Sadguru,” a true spiritual master.
- “Lord (God) dwells in the Saints.
- In fact they are not different from Him.
- Our Sai is One of these,
- Who incarnated for the welfare of the devotees,
- Supreme in knowledge and surrounded with divine lustre.”
- Omniscience and Omnipresence: Baba has absolute knowledge of the past, present, and future.
- He knew Mr.Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about cotton speculation and his desire to offer Baba a share of profits.
- He knew Mr. Cholkar’s secret vow regarding sugar and his decision to forego sugar. Baba remarked, “Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you.”
- He knew Mr.Hari Kanoba’s name, parentage, and other details about him, even though it was Hari’s first visit to Shirdi.
- He read Somadeva Swami’s critical thoughts about the flags at the Mosque, directly addressing them.
- He knew about one pleader’s slander behind His back at Bar Council, demonstrating “His omniscience and His using it for correcting people and setting them on the right path.”
- He correctly predicted and averted the death of Ramachandra Patil and foresaw Tatya Patil’s passing.
- He is described as “omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited.”
- Detachment and Humility: Despite his divine powers, Baba lived a life of extreme simplicity and humility. He lived on alms, possessing nothing, and residing in a deserted Masjid. He begged for food daily, mixing all offerings together, and “His tongue knew no taste.” Dogs, cats, and crows freely ate from his earthen pot, and “Baba never drove them away.”
